How to check if an app or program is installed in Windows 11

Windows 11 keeps track of every app and program you install.

The main place to see this list is within the Settings app, which is Windows’ central hub for managing your PC.

This method lets you quickly see what software is present on your computer.

How to Check What Apps Are Installed in 🪟 Windows 11

Step 1See Your Installed Apps List

The most complete way to check which apps and programs are installed on your Windows 11 computer is by looking at the Installed apps list in Settings.

1. Click the ⊞ Start button. This is the Windows logo, usually in the bottom-left corner. Click it.
2. Open Settings. After clicking Start, you will see options. Look for the gear icon. Click it to ⚙️ open Settings. You can also press the Windows key + I keys on your keyboard. This opens Settings faster!
3. Go to Apps. In Settings, find and click on “Apps.” This is where you manage your software.
4. Choose Installed apps. In the Apps section, click on “Installed apps.” (In older Windows versions, this might be called “Apps & features”).

Now you can see nearly everything installed on your computer. This list might be extensive if you’ve been using your PC for some time.

What You Will See:

A list of applications appears here, with each entry displaying the app name. Sometimes, you’ll also find the version number or the disk space it occupies. This represents your official record of installed items.

Step 2Check the ⊞ Start Menu

You can also quickly see many installed programs by checking the ⊞ Start Menu, which lists apps alphabetically and shows frequently used ones at the top.

1. Click the ⊞ Start button again.
2. Look through the “Most used” and alphabetical list. When the ⊞ Start Menu opens, you might see “Most used” apps at the top. Below that, you will see a full alphabetical list of programs and apps with a Start Menu shortcut.

This method is a quick way to find applications you access frequently or those that are readily visible. It serves as a good starting point if your goal is to open an app you know you have.

Reference:

https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/apps/how-to-check-if-an-app-or-program-is-installed-in-windows

Summary

Checking what apps are installed on Windows 11 is easy using ⚙️ the Settings app’s ‘Installed apps’ list or by glancing at the ⊞ Start Menu for shortcuts.